Joseph Alton “Al” Sellers, Jr.

Joseph Alton “Al” Sellers, Jr., age 86 of Wilmington passed away on January 28, 2023 at Lower Cape Fear LifeCare.

Al was born on May 13,1936 in Southport, North Carolina to the late Joseph Alton, Sr. and Sadie Lewis Sellers.

Al’s formative years were often spent camping in the woods along River Road and skipping stones from the bank of
Cape Fear river. It’s there where he developed his lifelong love for nature and the great outdoors.

In the spring of 1955, Al met and soon married Gloria Bohannon Sellers with whom he created a 68 year long love story.  Within those pages they lovingly welcomed four children, nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Al was a family man through and through.

His early career was proudly served in uniform as a highly dedicated and decorated officer. For over a decade Al bravely served in the United States Army 82nd Airborne Division as well as the Special Forces/Green Berets during the Vietnam era. While serving overseas, he endured the loss of sight in one eye which led to an untimely departure from his military career. However, the quote “Once a Soldier always a Soldier” rang true until the very end for him.

Switching gears and callings, Al’s career path led him to Radio News Broadcasting. His powerful, deep-toned voice and quick dry wit were second to none in the industry. He held the position of News Director and On-Air Personality in stations all over the country. Nashville, Houston, and Chicago markets to name a few.  Locally, he was General Manager/News Director of WHSL in Wilmington during the late 70’s.

Al is survived by his loving wife Gloria Bohannon Sellers, his son Steven Sellers, daughters Dawn Gurganus (Ronald), and Alysyn Balentine. Grandchildren Stephanie Dyer, Jillian Clay (Zachary), Perry Balentine, Sydney Sellers, Ian Sellers (Catherine), Westley Sellers, Emma Sellers, and Ashley Rudolph. Great-grandchildren Laurel, Nicholas, Addison, Sutton and Peyton as well as many other extended family and friends who loved him and will miss him deeply.

With his earlier mentioned parents, Al was preceded in death by his son Mark Sellers, son-in-law Warren Balentine, grandson Reid Balentine, daughter-in-law Carolyn Sellers, and brother Earl Sellers.

In lieu of flowers the family asks to please consider a small donation to either of these organizations:

St. Joseph’s Indian School
Chamberlain, South Dakota 57326

Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Services of Wilmington

A Memorial Service is being planned for a date in the near future and will be announced here.

Please leave memories and condolences for Al’s family by signing the Tribute Wall below.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation – Wilmington Chapel – 1535 S. 41st Street Wilmington, NC 28403 910.791.9099